The Search Is Over

Chapter 76

Regulus and Kreacher made small talk with Walburga's portrait for a few more minutes, fortunately not about Bella and Rod's future children. Regulus couldn't help but picture them teaching the youngsters to torture Muggles rather than...something productive such as playing chess. Thankfully the conversation with Walburga focused on more sane matters such as Regulus reclaiming the family home from the hands of blood traitors. When he and Kreacher excused themselves, they promised to visit again soon. Kreacher reverently replaced the sleeping charm on her curtains before turning to Regulus.

"Perhaps it is best that Mistress is always allowed to sleep when we are not visiting, so that she will not be disturbed by anything," he said.

Regulus nodded.

"Indeed. Explaining our relationship to Mum would've likely been trying at best, but a limited portrait version of her certainly wouldn't know what to make of us...as we are."

"Quite so," Kreacher said with a relieved nod.

"And with her peacefully slumbering, Kreacher and Master Regulus will not have to hide their relationship in their own home."

"Shall Kreacher make the cookies now?"

"Yes," Regulus agreed.

"Would you like me to help?"

For a moment, Regulus thought he saw a look of mild horror cross Kreacher's face, but he could not be certain, because an instant later Kreacher was smiling.

"Kreacher thinks it would be better if Master Regulus takes himself up to the attic to find that old mirror while Kreacher cooks."

Regulus chuckled, bending to kiss the elf's cheek.

"I am feeling distinctly unwanted," he teased.

"Very well then, I shall go and find the mirror."

Kreacher reached out for Regulus's sleeve, catching his hand and lifting it to his lips.

"Master Regulus is never unwanted," he murmured.

Regulus shivered with pleasure at the tantalizing feel of Kreacher's warm breath and feather light lips tracing his skin.

"I know. But if you make me feel too wanted, I may not make it up to the attic," he said quite honestly, and he felt Kreacher smile against his fingers before the elf reluctantly released his hand with a final kiss.

"Wise Master Regulus," he murmured.

Turning back to the stairs, Regulus vaulted up them with vampiric speed. He paused at the second floor landing to call out to Mortis where he was still in the bedchamber.

"Mortis! Come and keep me company in the attic, won't you? Whatever you're looking at out the window can't be more interesting than whatever oddities we have up there."

Regulus heard a rush of wings before the black bird coasted into sight.

"Thank you," he said as Mortis landed on his shoulder.

"I know I shall enjoy the company. Searching the attic would be so dull otherwise."

Mortis trilled, the sound ending in a questioning tone as he sent the image of Kreacher into Regulus's mind as if asking why the elf wasn't keeping him company.

"He's making cookies for Doge and Bellatrix," he explained.

/And Mortis,/ the bird sent eagerly into Regulus's mind, making him chuckle.

"I'm sure Kreacher will give you one if you ask. He seems to enjoy feeding you." The black phoenix gave a pleased nod of his head as Regulus crossed the landing to continue up the last flight of stairs to the attic. The attic was dark and so full of dust that Mortis sneezed several times as soon as Regulus opened the door. One sneeze was so violent that the bird nearly toppled from Regulus's shoulder and he had to reach up a hand to steady him.